The Shows

The ENK Fall 2012 Children’s Club, held at the Javit’s Center in New York City March 11-13, 2012, featured almost 700 exhibitors. Two new trends spotted were more Made in USA and eco-Friendly brands. There were over thirty-five companies on hand that make their merchandise in the USA; another fifty tout themselves as eco-friendly. Exhibitors reported that sales were up from the previous year, a good sign for all. Here are a few of the brands especially selected by The Giggle Guide’s Leesa Valentino who attended the Fall Children’s Club: Pipopipo, SugaPlum, Knitwits and Bambeeno.

So many exhibitors responded to our inquiry about their “Must See” products on display at next week’s ABC Spring Educational Conference and Trade Show that we made it a two-part series. Since this ABC event is all about learning from others in the town built upon luck, brand representatives also shared their best business tips and the luckiest they have ever been in their lives. See Part One of the ABC SEC preview published April 19, 2012. The ABC Spring Educational Conference and Trade Show will be held April 25-27 at the South Point Hotel in Las Vegas.

The ABC Spring Educational Conference and Trade Show will be held April 25-27 at the South Point Hotel in Las Vegas. This annual event provides opportunities for manufacturers and independent children’s retailers to get to know each other better, learn tips to improve business and see new products on display from a variety of juvenile product manufacturers. In the ABC SEC spirit of new product news and business education in the good-luck town of Las Vegas, I asked exhibitors to tell me about their “must-see” product on the trade show floor, their favorite business tip and what is the luckiest thing that has ever happened to them.

The 4th edition of Playtime New York was held in March at 82 Mercer. Retailers are drawn to the cutting edge and modern selection of creative, exclusive and upscale merchandise that demands a setting that is different from traditional trade shows. Within an increasingly strong dynamic nourished by the international network of the Playtime trade fairs, this New York edition took place in an atmosphere that was stimulating and relaxing. Many fresh designers, including Neve Inspired, JUMINA, LOUANN and boy+girl previewed their fall/winter collections.

New York City played host to nearly 27,000 industry professionals from more than 100 countries when the four-day 109th American International Toy Fair showed off more than 100,000 products at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center. “Toy Fair has evolved into one of the greatest shows on earth, attracting powerful players from the $83 billion global toy industry,” said Carter Keithley, TIA President. “Our show is proven to be a critical stop on the global toy circuit and a magical, exciting experience for all who come.” Here are a few of the showstoppers discovered by The Giggle Guide’s Leesa Valentino at the latest Toy Fair: Greenzys, Follow Me Fairies, Joi Dolls and Dazzu.

Five companies were presented with Baby & Child Best New Product Awards at the recent NY International Gift Fair. The Wonder Forge™ received the “Blogger’s Best” distinction for its Angelina Ballerina Dance With Me interactive game. In addition to the “Blogger’s Best” award, Baby & Child Best New Product Awards winners are recognized semi-annually for excellence in four categories: Toy, Décor, Gear and Apparel. Baby & Child at NYIGF featured 125 companies offering a wide range of products for children 0-10 years. Here are some that especially caught the attention of The Giggle Guide®: Spots and Ladybugs, Tutu Couture, Wee Urban, and Auggie Home Collection.

By all accounts, the Atlanta International Gift Market at AmericasMart that took place January 10th through the 18th was a great way to start the new year. The show reported record-breaking buyer traffic with soaring registrations, non-stop order writing, and exclusive product introductions — a real thrill for all involved. A number of new companies and products debuted in Atlanta, including logo loops, Bitsy, The San Francisco Music Box Co. and Pierre Belvédère Inc.

The New York International Gift Fair(NYIGF) will be held at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center and Piers in New York City from January 28 to February 2. The NYIGF is produced twice annually by George Little Management, LLC and is open to the trade only, drawing 35,000 attendees from all 50 states and 85 countries. The NYIGF is host to 2,800 exhibiting companies showcasing the very best lines across the home, lifestyle and gift spectrum organized into ten targeted product divisions. As a preview, The Giggle Guide® showcases a few of the brands to see, including The Ellie Rose, Artterro,Inmate Tease, and Schoolbags for Kids.

I have been preaching for years to recognize the difference between a “brand” and a “commodity.” I see both at every trade show. Walk down any aisle and look at the signage, photography, product display and the professional demeanor of the sales team. Brands promote a certain image in every detail. Commodities are there to “just sell dresses, shoes, shirts, pants, or other ‘kinda-like-them toos’”. The brands are busy writing orders. At the ENK Children’s Club for Spring 2012, brands once again were the show stoppers, including Sweet Potatoes, Trish Scully and Real Kids Shades (RKS).